My impressions of the RT Limited in Rain and Wind.

[KJWEB]

This past weekend was my first long ride on the Spyder since purchasing in late July of this year. I rode over 1,100 miles in two days. I now have over 5,000 miles on it. Living in the Pacific Northwest, yeah we get rain. Most of the time it's more of a steady all day drizzle. This past Saturday, I was riding home along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. I was about 187 miles east of Portland, OR when I ran into the storm that was predicted for Saturday. It was pouring down rain. On top of that, the Columbia Rive Gorge/Hood River is notorious for very strong winds. Hood River is where they have the Worlds Sailboard Championships. While the steady downpour and wind speeds of 40+ mph, I was very impressed on how the Spyder handled in those conditions. Even with the stock Kenda tire, the ride was stable. It did hydroplane on me twice but nothing to get worried about. I maintained the highway speed of 65 mph for the 187 miles where the rain and wind stopped as I approached Portland, OR. If I had been on two wheels in this storm, I would have pulled over somewhere along the route and waited the storm out. I didn't have that "pucker" factor at anytime on the Spyder. As far as the wind was concerned, I kept a relax grip on the bars and my knees up against the sides to keep the wind from pushing my body around and causing extra movement of the bike.

I am totally impressed with this Spyder. I don't miss my two wheels at all. I'm having as much and more fun each time I get on it. I totally "jelled" with Spyder. Now that I have a ride in the rain and wind under my belt, all is good.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Thanks for your view, :agree: 100%


Cruzr Joe

 

[ARtraveler]

Thank you for the post. :yes:

 

[Devious56]

It seems to be my luck, I've only had my RTL for 3 weeks now and I've ridden thru 5 rain storms. When I buy a new motorcycle, or pedal bicycle, it is going to rain. My last ride (motorcycle) was a Harley Ultra Classic. Any way, of the 5 rain storms, I've only gotten wet once, and that was because we got caught in stop and go traffic. My wife commented that she didn't get wet either. On the highway, I put the windshield in the highest position, and it seems we have a perfect air bubble around us. Our feet don't get wet, our gloves don't get wet, it's just amazing. Only just once in a while will I catch a drop or two as it rolls off the top of the windshield. This has to be one of the best rides I've ever had the priviledge of owning.

David

 

[Chupaca]

So..!!

Rough weather smooth, but wet, ryde. These are stable machines and do quite well in all conditions but snow..:2thumbs: thanks for the weather related review and glad you made it home safely...:thumbup:

 

[Pampurrs]

:agree:

I rode from Phoenix to Dallas, and back to Phoenix. It was wicked crosswinds all the way, and rain much of the way. The RT handled it like a dream. My only complaint at that time was the shorty windshield that came with my Special Series, which allowed the rain to pelt me in the face. That windshield has since been replace with a F4 Customs tall and wide. I wish I'd had it then.

Pam

 

[Bob Denman]

No doubt; these bikes do handle wet weather a lot better than most of the others. :2thumbs:

 

[garb55]

It seems to be my luck, I've only had my RTL for 3 weeks now and I've ridden thru 5 rain storms. When I buy a new motorcycle, or pedal bicycle, it is going to rain. My last ride (motorcycle) was a Harley Ultra Classic. Any way, of the 5 rain storms, I've only gotten wet once, and that was because we got caught in stop and go traffic. My wife commented that she didn't get wet either. On the highway, I put the windshield in the highest position, and it seems we have a perfect air bubble around us. Our feet don't get wet, our gloves don't get wet, it's just amazing. Only just once in a while will I catch a drop or two as it rolls off the top of the windshield. This has to be one of the best rides I've ever had the priviledge of owning.

David

Could you come to California soon to buy something
We need the rain :roflblack:

 

[gerard]

:agree:

 

[Devious56]

Could you come to California soon to buy something
We need the rain :roflblack:

Funny you should say that, when I was in the Navy, I was stationed in San Diego for about 8 years, and into sports cars big time. In the 8 years I was there, I only had the top up maybe 1/2 dozen times. Loved it. In fact, I was going to retire there until the cost of living went sky high, now I'm retired in Florida and happy as a Gator in a farm pond. hahahaha Ya'll have a good day, I'm going riding.

David